Matt McAvoy Book Review

Before I begin, I should disclose that I assisted Lance in the production of this book.  However, rest assured that this has no bearing whatsoever on my review.  I have been fortunate enough now to read a couple from this author, and I can say with all sincerity that he is a cut above the rest.  His quality is from the top drawer, and whilst his books might not be the most eventful or action packed, they are as poignant, as profound and as thought-provoking as you are ever likely to read.  Alone Against the Sea is no different – furthermore, Lance has become truly accomplished with his latest novel.  Its subject matter alone should elicit the most stirring emotions in any of us; the book tells the tale of a teenage boy, whose selfish actions cause his father to disappear overboard, most likely to his death, in the middle of the ocean in the middle of the night.  What follows is a tempestuous voyage of the sea and of the soul, as not only does this novice sailor need to survive, he must also come to terms with the guilt and emptiness his actions evoke – and Lance delivers a masterclass in emotional exploration.

There is some beautiful language in this book, both emotive and descriptive, and a sense that you are right there with young David, not just in his tropical environment, but his despair and devastation, and ultimately his coming of age and finding himself – for at the end of the day, that is what this book is about: growing up and learning to face the emotional consequences of our actions.  Despite the subject matter, it is a surprisingly easy read, helped along at a pleasant pace by Lance’s knowledge of his subject matter; as we can see from the internal matter, he is himself a very accomplished sailor.

I can’t recommend this book highly enough, and I can’t remember the last time a book made me feel so much when reading it.  I am positive that anyone who reads it will become a fan of Lance’s eloquent, elegant style.  The book is slow-paced yet frantic, hopeless yet brimming with optimism, all at once, and I feel exceptionally proud and privileged to have been small party to its creation.  I can’t wait to see what this wonderful author comes up with next.